Vegan Candy Launches Spike by 140 Percent Since 2013

New market research finds that launches of vegan confectionery products have more than doubled in the previous five years, particularly in Germany.

A recent report compiled by market-research firm Mintel found that new vegan product launches in the confectionary category increased by 140 percent between 2013 and 2017. The report revealed that Germany had the highest increase (16 percent) in vegan candy launches in 2017 and showed a growth of 252 percent during the report period. Mintel revealed that 48 percent of German consumers between the ages 25 to 34 are interested in more clearly labeled vegan confectionery products. “A shift away from animal products is currently underway,” Mintel food and drink director Marcia Mogelonsky said. “Growing awareness of the source of certain ingredients, such as gelatin, in confectionery products is making consumers more conscious in their purchase decisions.” Mogelonsky said that non-dairy chocolate and vegetable gelatin-based candy is showing the most growth potential. “Germany is an ideal testing ground for vegan confectionery, as German consumers both like to indulge and are looking for ethical and inclusive products,” Mogelonsky said. In 2016, market-research firm Market Insights found that new product launches in the United States with a “plant-based” claim increased by 32 percent in 2016.